Nickel 1953 Chiefs -- a first for me -- Got it!

[two-bit cowboy]

I've been thinking, hmmm, I have a bunch of Chiefs, but I don't have a nickel one. More than a week ago I started a sort of halfhearted search. I found many on offer across the auctions, a few of notable interest from the '70s, but then I stumbled upon this gem hidden away under the heading, "S&W Chief's Special .38SPL revolver." I had to look.

I hadn't seen a Model of 1953 Chiefs with smooth stocks, and I wasn't about to ask the seller if the numbers matched so he could add that to his item description and potentially attract more interest. If they match so much the better. S'pose I'll have to letter it if the stocks do match. The gavel fell at $690.55, including shipping. A bit high, but I don't feel bruised (some sellers of the '70s nickel Chiefs wanted more for a minimum bid!). I'm thinking it likely shipped in '54, but isn't that a first-style flat latch?

These are the seller's photos, cropped a bit.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[amazingflapjack]

Well Bud, the Chief didn't shoot that flat latch very much-well done.

 

[Hondo44]

Hi Bob,

That's a real prize. The smooth rose wood stocks are a common factory option on nickel J frames. And they fit perfect so highly likely they # to the gun. They may not even have any # because as optional stocks they are special handled.

The flat latch is the 2nd style. Never seen the 1st style on the 1953 New J frame.

Your #47475 is the earliest Model of 1953 of any in my database. It even has the Baby Chief old style hammer! Very likely an early 1954 ship date.

Great buy especially in such excellent condition. Congrats!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Thanks for the kind words guys, and Jim thanks especially for your insight into the smooth stocks, latch and hammer. Every time you speak I learn. Lots still to learn!

Dang, Jim, that makes two of my recent Chiefs acquisitions that are the earliest in your database.

This one sorta' reminds me of the adage about fallin' down the hole in the Chick Sale house and comin' out smellin' better than ya' ought'a.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Love that gun ,you definitely came out " smellin better than you ought a" on that .congratulations it could only be better if it was mine.

 

[ankona]

Beautiful Chief. Did it come with box and papers too?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Thanks. The seller didn't mention box, papers, etc. I'm not a box chaser so never gave it a thought.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Got it this afternoon!

Yeah, it's Sunday, but it's a small town.

Here are a few photos just before dark. It's as pretty as the seller said and showed.

Jim -- right as ever -- second style flat latch. I had to pull out my 1959 Model 36 to note the very subtle differences between this one and the third style. Then I had to drag out my 1955 3" to see which one it had -- also a second style and so subtle I hadn't noticed it was different than the 1959.

No sn on the right stock, but both stocks are imprinted with 37 on the back edge. Hmmm. I had not seen rosewood stocks before (other than the contemporary laminates). Gad these are gorgeous! A "kid in a candy store" moment!

Slàinte,

Bob